Madrid is set to tantalize taste buds and offer a rich tapestry of gastronomic experiences this week. From today until Sunday, the city invites residents and visitors to explore its best culinary offerings, promising unhurried enjoyment of every bite.
Vermouth: A Timeless Madrid Tradition
Historical and vibrant spaces across Madrid are embracing the ritual of vermouth with renewed vigor. This beloved beverage, deeply rooted in the capital’s identity, particularly Zarro vermouth produced in Madrid since 1968, is served traditionally: on tap and well-chilled. Several markets stand out as essential stops for this experience:
- Mercado de Vallehermoso: A blend of classic stalls and contemporary culinary proposals.
- Mercado de San Ildefonso: A pioneer in the vertical street food concept, offering vermouth as a perfect complement to a shopping spree.
- Mercado de San Antón: Located in Chueca, it extends the experience with tapas and lively conversation.
- Mercado de Prosperidad: Maintains a neighborhood charm where vermouth tastes of tradition.
- Mercado de Maravillas and Mercado de la Cebada: Complete this route, providing ideal spots for a vermouth toast, proving that in Madrid, the aperitif is never canceled, only its setting changes.
These locations ensure that even on gloomy days, the spirit of Madrid’s aperitif culture remains vibrant.
Limited Edition Cocktails: Art and Inspiration in a Glass
March in Madrid celebrates art and women, themes that extend to the city’s cocktail scene. Three key establishments are presenting limited-edition cocktails that transform mixology into a creative language:
- Hotel Urban 5*L’s Glass Bar: From March 4th to 8th, it presents “Vértice Rojo,” a temporary creation inspired by geometry and color, coinciding with ARCO. Made with Sipsmith gin, cherry Aperol, Amaro Santoni, and citrus juices, and topped with a triangular ice cube, this cocktail reflects the hotel’s private collection of Papua New Guinea art.
- Marciano Restaurant: Celebrates International Women’s Day with ‘Lady Heidi’ (March 5th to 15th), a creation by Mel Da Conceição. This cocktail, featuring cava, clarified açaí water, and cassis syrup, is available by the glass or in a sharing bottle.
- Isa Restaurant & Cocktail Bar (Four Seasons Hotel Madrid): On Sunday, March 8th, it will host some of Madrid’s most influential female bartenders in collaboration with House of Suntory, accompanied by resident DJs.
These unique offerings provide an artistic and celebratory dimension to Madrid’s nightlife.
From New Orleans to Madrid: Gulah Poboys
The traditional New Orleans po’boys, humble sandwiches born in 1929 for striking streetcar drivers, have found a new home in Madrid with Gulah Poboys. These reinvented sandwiches are crispy, juicy, and full of character, offering a burst of flavors with every bite. The establishment’s relaxed and modern atmosphere encourages guests to unwind, eat with their hands, and enjoy the moment with laughter and good company. Gulah Poboys offers a range from classic to daring combinations, making each meal a fun and distinct experience where the informal becomes special, and every visit is a discovery.
Haute Cuisine with a Casual Touch at Bikini Bar
At the heart of the NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding, Rafa Zafra’s Bikini Bar continues its “Rafa’s Friends” series with special guest Diego Guerrero. Throughout March, Chef Guerrero exclusively presents the Carabinero Roll, a brioche reinterpretation of the classic bikini sandwich. This creation combines chopped carabinero, rocoto paste, and a refreshing celery mayonnaise, resulting in an intense, balanced, and nuanced bite. This limited edition, designed for hand-held enjoyment without sacrificing sophistication, solidifies Bikini Bar’s position as a dynamic spot in Madrid’s gastronomic scene, where haute cuisine meets an informal and appealing format.
Madrid and New York Converge at Mercado de Chamberí
Insurgente, the bistro at Mercado de Chamberí known for its unpretentious cuisine and no-reservations philosophy, is collaborating with Mili, a new New York concept inspired by the creative wine bars of a decade ago. Until March 8th, Mili “lands” at Insurgente to craft an ephemeral menu that blends market produce, seasonal ingredients, and a gastronomic approach focused on close, spontaneous, and shared experiences. Highlights from the menu include:
- Grilled tuna parpatana with creamy plantain, amontillado chicken jus, and fennel, green apple, and green oil salad.
- Grilled picantón with roasted pepper and miso emulsion, accompanied by crispy tubers and their sauces.
- Crab, rice, and béchamel pithivier.
- Grilled lamb meatballs with vine leaves and onion cream.
The wine selection will be guided by Alexis Morgan, Mili’s sommelier, and Alberto Ruffoni, the world’s leading expert on Spanish wine from the Spanish Wine Master competition.
A Taste of the Amalfi Coast at Flavia
For those seeking a gastronomic experience that transports their senses to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Flavia is an unmissable option in Madrid. Established in 2015, this modern trattoria combines Italian tradition with a contemporary touch, offering dishes made with ingredients directly imported from Italy and recipes that evoke authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Its elegant and welcoming ambiance makes any meal a special occasion, perfect for dates, gatherings with friends, or family celebrations. Each dish reflects passion, flavor, and attention to detail, bringing the essence of Italian cooking to the heart of Madrid. Flavia also offers gluten-free options, promising a culinary journey full of tradition, flavor, and good company for those looking to experience authentic Italy without leaving the city.
Mercado de San Miguel Reopens Its Doors
One of Madrid’s most iconic markets, the Mercado de San Miguel, is set to reopen its doors on Thursday, March 5th, following extensive reinforcement and consolidation work. The market will maintain its previous offering of thirty stalls, providing a diverse selection of national and international products. Constructed between 1913 and 1916 by architect Alfonso Dubé y Díez, it is considered the only metallic structure market still standing in Madrid. With over a century of history, it has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals, rivalling attractions like the Prado Museum or the Reina Sofía.
Source: hola.com
